OCCUPATION: ANESTHESIOLOGIST

Name: Magdi Sidhom

Company: Martin Luther Hospital, Anaheim

Thumbs up: “When patients are having surgery, they are often more frightened of being anesthetized than they are of the actual operation. I comfort them by explaining what I am about to do and that I will be monitoring them the entire time. It is very satisfying to be able to calm them and develop a rapport in the short time we see them before and after surgery.”

Thumbs down: “In the medical field, the hours can be very erratic, especially when we are on call. It is different every day, which can be a plus sometimes.”

Next step: “The field is advancing rapidly. New ways to monitor patients have been introduced, including echocardiography. I expect to see it used more frequently in the future.”

Advice: “It is important to have a flexible personality, since we are part of a surgery team that includes doctors, nurses and patients of all personality types. The ability to develop a quick rapport with patients is important, too.”

Salary range: $150,000 to $235,000

Hours: At most hospitals, anesthesiologists take turns being on call for emergencies. During this time, they may participate in several cases in a day, depending on the number of scheduled surgeries and any emergencies that arise.

Educational and training requirements: Anesthesiologists must have a medical degree from an accredited medical school. They must then complete four to five years of additional training. The first is spent in a medical specialty outside of anesthesiology. The remainder are devoted to anesthesiology, and must include a residency. Most anesthesiologists become certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology by passing a series of exams, although certification is not required to practice.

Job description: Anesthesiologists are responsible for anesthetizing patients during surgery. Throughout the procedure, the anesthesiologist monitors a patient’s vital signs and keeps the surgeon informed of the patient’s condition. Knowledge of a variety of medical specialties--from pediatrics to cardiology--is required. Knowledge of pharmacology is also important to determine how the anesthesia will interact with other prescribed medications and medical conditions.

For more information: Contact the UC Irvine College of Medicine at (714) 856-4038.

Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times